Experts reveal the bedding color hotels choose to help guests sleep better, and the Labor Day sales that give you the look for less

Image shows a scandi-style bedroom with a white comforter on a white wooden bedframe
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Optimizing your sleep environment is integral to getting the best rest possible. Part of that is keeping clutter out of your room, and choosing the best mattress and pillow for your sleep position and style.

But did you know that bedding color can also contribute to how you feel in your sleep space? In fact, there's one in particular color that luxury hotels opt for time and again because it has such a big impact on how well you sleep.

To find out more, I spoke to industry experts. And since I'm a fan of recreating hotel-style luxury on a budget, I’ve also rounded my top recommendations for affordable bedding sets in the Labor Day mattress sales.

What bedding color do hotels use and why?

"Colors influence the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest mode). Softer, cooler colors help que the brain to wind down, while bold or warm hues stimulate alertness," says Dr. Carolina Estevez, psychologist at Soba New Jersey.

While there is a wide array of options to choose from, top tier hotels almost always opt for white bedding. Here's why:

1. It reduces visual stimulation

If you've ever felt relaxed when stepping into your new hotel room, the bedding could be part of the reason why.

According to Dr. Estevez, white provides a neutral, uncluttered backdrop that reduces visual stimulation which helps guests shift into a state of calm.

Similarly, experts encourage to reduce clutter when setting up your bedrooms because it helps prevent sensory overload. It's all about creating an environment that, just like a winddown routine before bed, helps your body and mind understand that it's time to rest.

Bed with white bedding

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

2. "Universal trust signal"

Using white bedding is one way a hotel can signal their ability to maintain the highest level of cleanliness for each new guest, since using it makes it hard to hide any stains from previous room occupants, or signs of poor cleaning.

Suze Dowling, linen expert and co-founder of Pattern Brands, the parent company of the bedding brand Miracle Made explains that, when it comes to bedding, "white is a universal trust signal," as "guests can see instantly that it’s clean."

Plus, it's easier to clean effectively. "Housekeeping can launder at high temperatures with bleach without worrying about dye fade," Dowling adds.

A brunette woman in a white fluffy bathrobe opens white shutters to let sunlight into her rustic European hotel room.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

3. Make the space appear bigger

According to Matthias Silverton, interior styling and brand consultant at TheSnugCo.com, hotels also use white bedding to help brighten up the room and make it seem larger.

"White acts as a massive reflector of light, making the room feel larger, airier, and more open, which is a huge psychological bonus for guests at no extra cost to the hotel," he explains.

That's why white bedding can add a sense of luxurious spaciousness to your bedroom, akin to what you'd experience in a premium hotel room.

The top 3 white bedding sets to shop this Labor Day

1. Texas Linen Co. 100% Organic Cotton Sheet Set: twinfrom $26.99from $21.59 at Amazon

1. Texas Linen Co. 100% Organic Cotton Sheet Set: twin from $26.99 from $21.59 at Amazon
A more affordable option is this Texas Linen Co. sheet set, currently starting at $21.59 (was $26.99) for a twin size, which includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and 1 standard pillowcase. Made from long staple organic cotton in a percale weave, they're breathable, crisp and designed to help keep you cool. The sheets are also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX certified, so you know they've been made to the highest organic standards and are free from harmful chemicals. You can now get up to 20% off on Amazon, meaning a queen set (which features the same as the twin set but with an additional pillowcase) is currently $27.27 (was $30.99).

2. Helix Cotton Blend Sheet Set: twinfrom $126from $91.98 at Helix

2. Helix Cotton Blend Sheet Set: twin from $126 from $91.98 at Helix
This 300 thread count sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases (except twin/twin XL which come with one), and is crafted from a blend of cotton and bamboo derived rayon, which results in a breathable, lightweight, sleek fabric that wouldn't look out of place in a hotel room. You can now get 27% in Helix mattress sales using the code TOMS27 which drops the price of a queen set in white from $149.33 to $109.02. Benefits include a 30-night sleep trial, 1-year warranty and free shipping.

3. Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set: twin from $159from $119.25 at Brooklinen

3. Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set: twin from $159 from $119.25 at Brooklinen
Made from 100% long-staple soft and breathable cotton in a percale weave, the Classic Percale core sheet set (including a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases) is one of Brooklinen's top-sellers. It is available in solid white and almost 30 other colors and patterns (some options aren't available in all sizes). Right now you can save up to 25% off in the brand's Labor Day bedding sales, which means you can get a queen set in white from $149.25 (was $199).

Becky George
Sleep Staff Writer

Becky is a Sleep Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering all things sleep-related including product reviews, research studies, news and explainers. She works on specialist bedding content and is responsible for buyer’s guides like the best pillows for all sleepers and best mattress protectors focusing on popular brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Avocado, Coop Home Goods and more. Becky is a PPA accredited journalist who is keen to explore the intricacies of sleep, its effects on skincare, mental wellbeing and work performance. While not thinking of sleep, she can be seen reading in cosy bookshops or learning about global food culture. 

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